Bernie Mac

Bernie Mac revealed on February 2005 that he has suffered from sarcoidosis, a tissue inflammation disease, since 1983. He says it has no effect on his daily life.

Bernie Mac nearly did not agree to do the show (Bernie Mac) because he felt that the limitations of what can be done on prime-time television might cramp his style of comedy.

Bernie retired from his 30 year comedy career in 2007 with his farewell concert "The Whole Truth And Nothing But The Truth So Help Me Mac."

Bernie announced on his recent appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman that his daughter gave birth to her first child making Bernie a grandfather for the first time.

He grew up in Chicago in a rough neighborhood, with a large family living under one roof.

Bernie was married to Rhonda McCullough from September 1977 until his death is August of 2008. They had one child together.

He is a comedian that refused to change his image for Hollywood and says that his life in Chicago is who he is and there is nothing that will change that.

His first professional comedy gig was at The Cotton Club in Chicago. He was so broke, he had to borrow a suit from his brother.

He started his career in stand-up comedy in 1977.

His mother died of breast cancer during his sophomore year of high school.

His daughter, Je'Niece, is now 27 years old and has a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling and has been married for three years.

His mother and only two brothers have passed away.

His character on The Bernie Mac Show (2001), was ranked #47 in magazine TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" [ June 20, 2004 issue.]

Bernie is mentioned in Christina Aguilera's single "Dirrty".

He got a pedicure in both movies Ocean's Twelve and Bad Santa.

Bernie was a Chicago White Sox fan.

Bernie wrote two books called I Ain't Scared of You(2001), a comedy book, and Maybe You'll never cry again (2003), a biography.

Bernie took care of his sister's children in real life.